Founded in 1983 by His Highness the Aga Khan IV, Aga Khan University (AKU) is Pakistan’s first private university, established under Ordinance No. XXI of 1983 by the Government of Pakistan. Rooted in the humanitarian values of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), AKU’s mission is to offer world-class education in health sciences, nursing, education, and liberal arts, while improving the quality of life in developing regions.
Global Campus Network
AKU has evolved into a truly international university, with a presence in six countries:
🇵🇰 Pakistan
- Stadium Road Campus, Karachi
– Faculty of Health Sciences, Aga Khan University Hospital - Karimabad Campus, Karachi
– Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Institute for Educational Development - Teaching Sites in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral
East Africa
- Nairobi, Kenya
– Medical College, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Graduate School of Media & Communications - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
– Institute for Educational Development, School of Nursing & Midwifery - Kampala, Uganda
– School of Nursing & Midwifery
United Kingdom
- London
– Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
Academic Faculties & Programs
1. Faculty of Health Sciences (Karachi & East Africa)
- MBBS – Medicine
- Postgraduate Clinical Training
- BScN, MScN – Nursing & Midwifery
- Allied Health Sciences – e.g., Laboratory Sciences, Physiotherapy
2. Faculty of Arts & Sciences (Karachi)
- BA/BS in:
- Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
- Development Studies
- Human & Environmental Biology
- Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE)
3. Institute for Educational Development (Karimabad & East Africa)
- BEd, MEd – Teacher Education
- Early Childhood Development & Literacy Education
4. Graduate School of Media & Communications (Nairobi)
- MA in Media & Communications Studies
5. Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (London)
- Graduate programs exploring Muslim culture, society, and heritage
Research & Innovation
AKU is globally recognized for high-impact research and educational innovation:
- AKU Hospital (Karachi) – First Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited hospital in South Asia
- Center for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME) – Simulation-based medical education, accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare
- Hayat App – Digital health tool awarded Silver at International Digital Health Awards 2023
- ORIC (Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization) – Manages faculty research grants and partnerships focused on health, education, and societal transformation
Community Engagement & Social Impact
- Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH):
Tertiary care and teaching hospital serving thousands annually - Global Health Initiatives:
In partnership with WHO, UNICEF, and regional ministries - Continuing Education:
Executive programs and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for professionals in healthcare and education
Awards & Recognition
- QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Top 101–150 globally in Engineering & Technology (in collaboration with AKU’s engineering initiatives)
- Times Higher Education Rankings: Among top research universities in Asia
- International Honors:
- MacJannet Prize (for Urban Health)
- Zairi International Award for Disruptive Education
Admissions & Contact Information
- Email: admissions@aku.edu
- Phone: +92‑21‑3486‑3160
Final Note
Aga Khan University (AKU) continues to lead in academic innovation, healthcare transformation, and international collaboration—honoring its founding vision of nurturing ethical, skilled, and compassionate professionals committed to uplifting communities across the globe.
